I bought a 2014 last week with 3700 miles for 3500 bucks. I love this bike!! With the money I saved the rally raid level 2 kit is on the radar. Having had other bikes I love how cool this 500 runs the heat is just not an issue like on sport bikes. Thanks Jenny an Juan for creating and marketing such a gem in the motorcycle world!!
Back in the 1950s there were MANY 500 cc bikes, most were single cylinder, and at low rpm, the rear view mirrors tended to break, back in the day there were NO DISK BRAKES, or HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ! Everything was cables,& drum brakes. Had a VELOCETTE 500 cc, then later a VINCENT BLACK SHADOW, most I ever had it to was 130 mph, there were no roads to run out, as this was in JAMAICA , when it was BWI, . I rode so many different bikes, some had the shifter on the RIGHT, where most are on the LEFT. Left all my stuff in 1959, expecting to return, but things changed,,dad probablely sold the bike, but think he gave away, other stuff.
Hey... your friend Jenny Morgan is a fantastic lady! She explained the details of suspension dampening excellent! I am almost wishing I purchased a CB500X instead of my TRX500rubicon... almost... that thing was $10,500. I am still paying on it. I am not wealthy. I'm sure that if you seen my lunch break on the trail over looking a nature scene fit for a painting, you would like it. The comfortable chair, table, grill smoking away, the lavish array of beers, olives, cheese, crackers, meats on the grill... all folded back up bundled on the quads and away we go!!! Not one bit of performance difference at all, with a couple hundred pounds of gear strapped to the machine. I still want a CB500X though... maybe someday!
Juan, What an awesome video! 👍🏻👍🏻Oroville dam, Cherokee, the Canyon and Table mountain all of My old stomping grounds, also love the bikes too! Keep up the fun and be safe. ✌🏻
I'm almost 5' 7" but my inseam is only 28 inches so consider yourself lucky. Any bike where people complain that the seat is too low feels pretty good to me.
I'm totally into motorcycles, but have no off-road experience. Total respect for Jenny's Dakar roots. When I was a career [24 year] Telecommunications Data Network Controller for NASA, we spoke to our ground station antenna tracking technicians for each and every Space Shuttle Mission. Followed the Paris /Dakar rally races for years. They're made of strong stuff.
Thanks Juan and Jenny for the update. And thanks Jenny for helping to start the mid range adventure bike craze. No longer are the big, unwieldy 1200’s the kings of adventure travel, unless it’s an adventure ride to Starbucks!;). Here’s to another summer of great, safe riding in the Pacific Northwest. Hey Juan, how about an organized trip up to Alaska or hot spring country out in Idaho? You, Jenny and Harold would lead a heck of ride in my opinion. I’d buy in in a heart beat. Cheers to all from Oregon!
I've been across Canada on my GSA1200 and never once stopped at Starbucks. Tired of hearing stupid cliches about coffee shops! Midsize or fullsize choose what u want.💤🏍
Next time in town for some direct spillway views that can't be beat, take Oro dam E all the way to the road closure baracades. Ride past baracades about 150 yds. around the bend and take an immediate right on Rusty Dusty road. Ride up hill just to where it starts to level off and take a left at the fallen steel gate. The old dirt road is kinda rough, rutted. It tops out at the Palermo ditch. Follow concrete lined ditch (single track) to the left and ride until spillway comes into view. This will take you directly into the power line realignment area. Watch for PG & E crews, they can be rather testy....
Jenny, you are the absolute king at explaining how the suspension works! Some retailers could use your knowledge for sale purposes just for this product. I just got a Tractive suspension on my bike and this is by far the best description I have seen as far as the how to use these springs/functions to their max/best! I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much.
I am grabbing a level 1 suspension kit and wheels this year. I have done everything else myself with mix and match parts :D Love these videos, I've been watching since my bike was stock back in 2016!
How has been your experience with the level 1 suspension and wheels? And what kind of riding have you been doing now with the kit? Did you feel that it allows you to do more than with stock parts? There's very little feedback on the level 1. Would love to get some owner perspective since I'm short on the legs, can't really go for level 2. I would probably reach to ground on tippy toes but might be a little too much on more tricky situations.
Juan, I bought a cb500x last year because of your videos. I'll be finishing the modifications this summer. Thanks for the the information and inspiration.
Back in the day a narrow 21 inch tire was the way to go on dirt bikes. My first dirt bike was a Bultaco Pursang I enoyed that more then any street bike I ever owned. After fracturing my femur on a Sportster I sold that Bultaco and chopped the sportster.
Thanks for making this video, want to upgrade the suspension next, I have a 2021 cb500x, just got over 18,500 miles, I love my bike, they really are awesome bikes!!
That was a perfect explanation by Jenny there on motorcycle suspension. I graduated from MMI Phoenix 18 years ago, and that was a good refresher ... plus I learned a couple things, since there was no high and low speed compression damping in those days (that I recall anyway). One of my instructors drilled "DAMPING" into our heads, since it's always been a common mistake to say "DAMPENING" - he'd say, "You're not making anything WET! You're controlling oil flow!" 😂 Loved that, lol - I've remembered it since! I had no idea this bike even existed! I'm WAY out of the loop - have been for many years now (just discovered a new Yamaha v-twin touring bike today!). Looks like alot of fun! I sort of got away from modern on/off (Enduro) bikes since I'm pretty short, and in my mid 40's, hanging a cheek off the seat to touch the ground has become a chore in MA traffic. I had an '02 DR-Z400S that I modified the engine on - was ALOT of fun, ready for anything on or off-road, plus, was capable of triple digit top speeds ... but it was TALL (for me at least!). Adventure bikes didn't really exist in my younger days, aside from BMW's that none of us could afford then. On/off's were the next best thing. I still have a '84 Honda XL350R on/off bike - haven't started it in 5 years! Last time I rode it was out in CA (Mines Road) with my buddy that lives in Livermore - threw it in the back of my truck when the wife and I went to visit him. Thankfully I drained the gas out of the tank, and carb when I got back, since I had a feeling. I ride my '74 RD350 2-stroke more - it fits me perfectly ... and we share the same birthday! 😊 That bike is always a barrel of fun. Haven't started that either since last October - I need to go do that - the warm weather is finally here! Thanks for another informative vid!👍 Makes me want to go get a set of DOT knobbies for the XL! :)
With my cervical problems suspension is my life..However it usually means I have to keep my head suspended from pressure on the spine..1968 my first Honda was a Z50A when every other kid had the lawn mower engine mini bikes.. I bought with $300 of money dad gave me for driving tractor...Watching your rides brings back great memories..Hard to believe that you can get that much bike for that little money
I've always liked Honda for their reliability. I've had thoughts in years past of doing a cross country ride. People always suggest riding a Harley Davidson... which I guess would be fine as long as you have someone with a pickup truck or van to pick you up (not if but) when you break.
I haven't ridden for over 30 years but now I remember how much fun I had doing it. Would want to be in more open country like where you are than in a big city like here in Vegas.
Great Video; very informative; thanks; so far on my cb500x 2017, i’ve got the Scorpion pipe, the Sw-Motech skid plate (because i’ve got OEM Centerstand), the Evotech radiator guard. I also bought the Pirelli MT60R/RS Corsa tires (still not installed; but i will). I’m a short rider so i’m really considering to buy the Rally Raid lvl 1 suspension kit in future. Thanks; Cheers from Canada; Ride safe!
blancolirio : im curious to know : for Canadians if its cheaper to order Rally Raid products directly from England or from USA Giant Loop !?!? Shipping, taxes & import fees ...
Hi Juan, it's wonderful to see another update one the CB and an addition to your definitive series on this bike (together with Jenny of course - how come Piglet never gets a mention?). Of course Jenny is currently ripping up the TAT on her new RR310GS so it'll be splendid if we see you guys get together again when she gets back out West. Keep up the great work and enjoy your trips this year!
Great info in this vid! Suspension is why I'm interested in the rally raid kits for this bike! I'm done with rides that end because of fairly mild terrain. Light bike, go where need, or long distance when I can. Ace
great vid when i seen the adventure bikes and jenny i was thinking you would hit some off road stuff. was thinking moores flat and out german bar if the roads open down to the bridge and out take care thumbs up
Love your coverage of the Honda CB500x and the rally raid parts. My son and I are planning to ride the entire trans-am trail and largely due to your videos we are seriously looking at a couple CB 500x’s to do this. As we were checking them out in person I noticed that I might have an issue with the cable operated clutch. Have you considered putting a Magura Hymec clutch lever and such on your Honda...and maybe reviewing it and making a video? =D Thanks again
Hi Bob - in my experience you'd have less trouble with the stock Honda cable clutch than you would with an aftermarket hydraulic one. Keep it as simple as possible for the TAT ;o)
Jenny Morgan thank you for the reply. I have no doubt that the stock clutch cable is trouble free and simple. I, generally, am a fan of simple. I realized, based on your reply, I worded my question in a vague way. I recently sat on a cb500x in person and fiddled with knobs and levers and such. I noticed that the cable clutch might be too heavy for me to operate all day. I have some arthritis in the middle finger of my left hand, so, my grip strength is compromised. So, my question was not about seeing potential problems with the cable system as in failure, but problems with ME operating it. It might work out just fine for me, but, thinking ahead, I might need to look into ways to lighten the pull. I’ve heard mixed reports about the magura, and about the mechanical leverage multiplier box. Just wondered if this had been looked at or something tried and rejected or what info was out there. =) Thanks!
Hi Juan don't know if you remember me but I've asked you a couple questions and you help me out a bunch got myself a cb500x. Going on a little Adventure Monday going to be leaving from the Bay Area heading up to Tahoe then Utah Colorado the Dakota is Montana Idaho Oregon. If your home in free Monday I'd love to show you my bike and check out your bike on my way up to Tahoe. Your videos on the cb500x and your adventures are pretty awesome I really like them keep doing them
Looks like loads of fun... But I'll just stick with my GL1800 & a 4 wheeler to get around the farm. As I have more steel than bone in my back now, I've had to slow down a little bit ;-) Have fun, Be safe, and, Keep the Shiny side UP :-) Do you have a good recommendation for a mount for your GoPro??? The one I've got transfers WAY to much vibration... Thanks :-)
Really good to see a level 1 and level 2 bike side by side. Love watching this video as I try to choose between the kits 🤔. Back and forth I go, over and over again haha. Just out of interest what are the handle bar risers on the level 1 bike? Either brand/model or height, and were any cable adjustments required? Looking at risers myself as I find the bars a touch low while standing at the mo. Again, love watching all the cb500x content you produce. 👍
4:58 to 5:04. Yes IF you're dealing with a 2018 cb500x or older. the 2019 and possibly 2020 cb500x ( guaranteed the 2019 though) stock has a 19" cast wheel now with 17" rear.
Great video. Sorry if I missed it, but do I have to use the Level 1 wheels with the Level 1 suspension, and the Level 2 wheels with the Level 2 suspension? Or is it possible to have a 19" front wheel without having to add two inches to the seat height? I'm talking about a 2013 model, before Honda switched to a 19" cast front wheel from the factory.
Thank you so much for your coverage of this bike and build. So awesome. Can you please share with me the spring rates you chose? It would be so helpful when placing my order.
@@blancolirio do you think the additional 2" make a huge difference? Worth the $500 increase over level 1 suspension? For reference I have a 2013 CB500X. Never done offroad, but looking to get more into it. Nothing to serious but I would like to do some of the trails and passes around where I live in Colorado.
Receive a warm greeting from Brazil. I was with the desire to buy the new cb 500x 2020 but I was not convinced that it is not prepared for trail. Luckily surfing the internet I got to know about Rally Raid and later I ended up falling in love with your motorcycle and the spectacular work you did with it. Well, you have been my inspiration and now I want to buy my motorcycle and prepare it like you- My idea is to do 14000 km along the Andes mountain range. My name is Alberto and I apreciate if you can you tell me what size of wheels you placed back and forth?. Congratulations on the motocyrcle you built.
Perhaps the best explanation of how and what the adjustments on adjustable shocks do for you, Thank you Jenny. Juan, I,m interested in the CB500, Question, I'm 6'-2" and 245 lbs, in your opinion will that bike fit me?
In my 45 years of riding motorcycles I've never heard compression and rebound damping described as well as Jenny did! It's a fairly complex subject and she explained it perfectly.
Please be aware of the Safe Action Area when recording people. If you don’t have an indicator, leave extra headroom so you don’t crop the top of heads.
Another awesome video, I purchased a cb500x it came with the rally raid stage 1 kit. Been riding it for a while just took it up to Yosemite and 395. Planning on going to stage 2 in your opinion would you go to Bliss or tubed tires?
"Drool, drool, drool,.... Eye torture! .... Just far too desirable !!! .... OK The part number for a motor to turn the propeller on this "Scale Model" (55" or 75" Wingspan.) ends with "R.R.", hints of Rolls Royce there. (Details to be posted on Facebook) .... It's a crazy electromagnet motor, where the flywheel effect, (Angular Momentum) of relatively heavy electromagnets in five pairs, are sequentially self attracted to ten small diametrically magnetised ring magnets. (The stator magnets) ..As soon as the 'open circuit' (no current) electromagnets find their natural resting point, and would otherwise oscillate back and forth to static position, there is a pulse of current applied to the electromagnet coils. ... Incidentally as the electromagnet enters the permanent magnet field, there is an induced DC e.m.f. , this pulse of DC current can be stored in a suitable film capacitor via diode rectification. (No point wasting free energy) ... Angular momentum, + electromagnetic repulsion, drives the "Pentagon" electromagnet flywheel forward. Scientific Method demands "Metrology First" before "Claims", so this little Rolls Royce Motor (IF IT WORKS...?????) will be a present for Pete & Juan, from the 3450th Technical Training Group, (Metrology Specialists) of the 3400th Technical Training Wing. L.A.F.B. Colorado. and this is the RC Model Aircraft. outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=7833
over here in Europe we have had recent launches of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Benelli TRK 502 and Kawasak iVersys 300 all of which are to varying degrees trading on their off road aspirations and abilities .In a market place dominated by giant BMWs, KTMS, Dukes and Triumphs I think some manufacturers see the oppurtunity to release smaller cheaper and ultimately more practical machines.
I wonder if you have experienced any frame cracks on your CB500X? A couple of tour operators here in the South have experienced cracked frames on their CB500’s.
blancolirio The crack that I saw was in the perimeter portion of the frame below the fuel tank. I’ve seen one bike with a crack and heard of two others.
Interested in what this bike will do in stock form. Every bike I look at "requires" hundreds or thousands of dollars in mods!?? I would assume the cb500x would be quite capable with only some engine protection? Fire roads and such not single track.
I looked at the CB500.... My initial inclination is to a xr650L or a DR650, in part since I have a long set of legs (34" inseam levis) and am 6'3" 210 lbs Comments please?
John Leake - First comment is what kind of riding do you mainly plan on doing. I am sooooo biased in favor of the MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650. Do a ton of research coupled with your riding intent. If you feel so inclined, in you-tube, type "OBI-WAN 11 THINGS I HATE ABOUT THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650" - or something along those lines. Totally "tongue in cheek" on the title, but you may get a kick out of it too. I have several vid's - even "THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650" should get you close... It's over 100° here in Glendale, AZ, and I just got back from a fairly short ride of around 30 miles... "in town"... Best of luck in your search. Take your time... Do not buy the wrong bike, and totally hate it. Cheers !
I've always preferred a bit smaller bike for trail riding, like a 350, because I'm only 5'6" and under 150 pounds. The bigger bikes can get away from me too easily because I don't have the weight (and strength) to "man handle" it back in line when it gets out of shape.
Totally agreed Juan. Especially at 6' 3" - depending on the kind of riding he intends to do, he may be in favor of the Honda XR 650 - this is a fairly tall bike. I'm 6' 1" - and can NOT put both feet on the ground while sitting on the Honda 650. "Side note" - Been following you for a long time. Love your stuff... So very well done...
This seems somewhat confusing, so if I wanted the exact same upgrade on my Honda CB500x, I would just have to purchase the Level 2 Wheel Kit? That’s the equivalent to the original Rally Raid Level 3? Or do I have purchase the Suspension Kit 1 and then purchase the Level 2 Wheel Kit?
Hi Duc - to clarify, if you want to retain the standard seat height and suspension travel, you choose the LEVEL 1 suspension and can fit the LEVEL 1 wheel kit if you wish (17" rear, 17" front). If you fit the longer travel (+2") LEVEL 2 suspension, then you can fit the LEVEL 2 wheel kit which has a 19" front wheel and fender, together with a 17" rear wheel. for info. The LEVEL 2 suspension and LEVEL 2 wheel kit fitted together is exactly the same as what used to be called "LEVEL 3". More info on the www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk website.
I have just picked up a 2018 CB500x. I am wondering if I should flip it and try to get the 2019 model (19 inch front wheel already) before I order Rally Raid parts. I am thinking level 2 suspension to start.
Thanks. Just got my 2014 cb500x. I am thinking about purchasing the rally raid kits. Do you guys have a meetup group? I am from the bay area and wondering if i can join your rides
I love that place. I have stayed at Surprise Valley hot springs with my kids. Also, stayed at a ranch south of town. The kids even got a library card and checked out books from the local library. The town even has a radio station, which we visited.
Hi i think you run the original handlebars. I am about to do the level 2 conversion after riding the cb500x for 2 years and I’m interested in your advice re fat bar or original Thanks
My God, where does England find these people? Mike Hailwood was my favorite motorcycle rider back when I was riding but Jenny is giving him a run for his money! Then, a few days ago I stumbled on ANOTHER Brit that is rebuilding an old Albert Strange sailing boat he acquired where I live and moved it to Washington state.(Check out Leo Sampson Goolden and his Sampson Boat Company on You Tube) Jenny(and Leo) may think I'm making light of her with the names I'm going to name but it wouldn't be true at all. England has produced a ton of folks that helped shape our World like, Horatio Nelson, George Vancouver, Robert & Olave Baden-Powell, Reginald Mitchell, Cecil Rhodes, and Winston Chruchhill. She comes from GREAT stock....................................I'm going to add Frederick Russell Burnham, an American (who reminds me of Juan) who was made the Chief of Scouts for the Brits in the 2nd Boer War and contributed greatly to the outcome of that conflict. He was also a handsome devil, just like Juan, too!!!(;>) Another GREAT Video, Juan!!!(:>) Keep them puppies coming!
Reg - Us brits have some Great inventors ! You like eccentric Brits ? Your love this channel > Enjoy < - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FO6My1joJVc.html 5.9 million subs cant be wrong Haha
